Historically known for aggressively trading up in the draft, the Redskins took the opposite strategy in 2011, deftly moving down the board, picking up more selections and still addressing keys area of need. Having run a 3-4 defense for the past few seasons despite fielding a team largely built on 4-3 personnel, the Redskins added a prototypical edge-rusher in Ryan Kerrigan to pair with Brian Orakpo. While many characterized the Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year as strictly a 4-3 defensive end, Kerrigan actually projects better as an OLB as he doesn't use his hands particularly well, but has burst, agility and great instincts. The Redskins added a classic five-technique defensive end in Clemson's Jarvis Jenkins in the second round and addressed their need for receivers with size in Miami's Leonard Hankerson and Nebraska's Niles Paul in the third and fifth rounds. No head coach has enjoyed as much success with late-round running backs as Mike Shanahan, and he could have worked his magic again with Roy Helu (Nebraska) and Penn State's Evan Royster in the fourth and sixth rounds. Helu, in particular, is an ideal fit in a zone-scheme, as he can plant his foot and accelerate downhill explosively. In terms of adding multiple players who fit their scheme and will improve the overall talent of their club, no team was more effective this year than the Redskins.

Ok, Im O-Ding on highlight reels again. I retract my previous statements regarding Roy Helu. Dude is a beast, definitely faster then I gave him credit for. I just really wanted Ryan Williams. Now that Ive had a chance to relax, definitely loving the Helu pick up.

Historically known for aggressively trading up in the draft, the Redskins took the opposite strategy in 2011, deftly moving down the board, picking up more selections and still addressing keys area of need. Having run a 3-4 defense for the past few seasons despite fielding a team largely built on 4-3 personnel, the Redskins added a prototypical edge-rusher in Ryan Kerrigan to pair with Brian Orakpo. While many characterized the Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year as strictly a 4-3 defensive end, Kerrigan actually projects better as an OLB as he doesn't use his hands particularly well, but has burst, agility and great instincts. The Redskins added a classic five-technique defensive end in Clemson's Jarvis Jenkins in the second round and addressed their need for receivers with size in Miami's Leonard Hankerson and Nebraska's Niles Paul in the third and fifth rounds. No head coach has enjoyed as much success with late-round running backs as Mike Shanahan, and he could have worked his magic again with Roy Helu (Nebraska) and Penn State's Evan Royster in the fourth and sixth rounds. Helu, in particular, is an ideal fit in a zone-scheme, as he can plant his foot and accelerate downhill explosively. In terms of adding multiple players who fit their scheme and will improve the overall talent of their club, no team was more effective this year than the Redskins.

This is how I came away feeling about the draft. Although, I wish locker would have been there at #10....it may work out better for our future that we traded down and were able to get the ammo to manuever.

I want to be optimistic but, why will these guys crack the lineup and contribute significantly when guys drafted last year couldn't do it?

Considering that most 4th and lower rounders aren't expected to be starters, it's not that bad. We only had one high round pick, and he(Trent) had a good rookie season. This year, we can at least hope our top 3 picks will be studs for us.

__________________ Analysis using datasets (aka stats) is an attempt at reverse-engineering a player's "goodness".

Virtuosity remembered, douchebaggery forgotten.

The ideal character profile shoved down modern Western men and women's throats is Don Juan.

I liked the draft overall with the exception of addressing the offensive line, particularly finding a replacement for Rabach.

This wasnt a particularly strong draft for Oline outside a couple tackles, couple guards/center. SS has said we got a couple guys targeted all ready in free agency.

My only disappointment with this draft was no NT choice. This draft offered a variety of options with the NT position and we walk away with no choices. Every different type of sizes, styles, etc. and we got zero. Kemo is done. I like keeping Bryant under contract and in the rotation, but we desperately need someone in there to help. Hopefully free agency can yeild us someone.

Historically known for aggressively trading up in the draft, the Redskins took the opposite strategy in 2011, deftly moving down the board, picking up more selections and still addressing keys area of need. Having run a 3-4 defense for the past few seasons despite fielding a team largely built on 4-3 personnel, the Redskins added a prototypical edge-rusher in Ryan Kerrigan to pair with Brian Orakpo. While many characterized the Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year as strictly a 4-3 defensive end, Kerrigan actually projects better as an OLB as he doesn't use his hands particularly well, but has burst, agility and great instincts. The Redskins added a classic five-technique defensive end in Clemson's Jarvis Jenkins in the second round and addressed their need for receivers with size in Miami's Leonard Hankerson and Nebraska's Niles Paul in the third and fifth rounds. No head coach has enjoyed as much success with late-round running backs as Mike Shanahan, and he could have worked his magic again with Roy Helu (Nebraska) and Penn State's Evan Royster in the fourth and sixth rounds. Helu, in particular, is an ideal fit in a zone-scheme, as he can plant his foot and accelerate downhill explosively. In terms of adding multiple players who fit their scheme and will improve the overall talent of their club, no team was more effective this year than the Redskins.